NewsRail engineeringTransport

Railtex 2023 opens next week: The rail industry meets in Birmingham for a jam-packed event programme

From 9 – 11 May, rail professionals will meet at the NEC in Birmingham for Railtex, the UK’s premier exhibition for railway equipment, systems, and services. The event is the leading platform for innovators, experts and thought-leaders from the entire railway supply sector. This year, Railtex returns with a top exhibitor line-up of national and international players; over a third are new exhibitors. This provides rail professionals with a great opportunity to personally explore and source the latest products and services – from comprehensive railway systems to the smallest specialised components. Event highlights include an exciting supporting programme with expert talks and special activities such as the Innovation Village, Networking Zone, Future Focus Conference, Careers, Talent and Skills Hub, and the On-Track Display area.

Next week, the NEC in Birmingham becomes a key meeting point for all railway experts looking to grow their business in the rail industry. Prominent trade organisations support Railtex – including the main Show Partner, Railway Industry Association (RIA), and Show Partners British Steel, the Department for Business and Trade, Rail Forum, Railway Benefit Fund, the CPD Certification Service, as well as many trade publications. Railtex is the ultimate meeting place for rail professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders who wish to connect with leading manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers across the entire rail sector.

“Put in context of the generally positive prospects of the rail industry, in particular in regard to further investment in rail infrastructure, decarbonisation and digitalisation, it is easy to understand why there is an excitement surrounding this year’s show,” says Olaf Freier, Transport Portfolio Director, on behalf of show organiser RX. “With so many new challenges and opportunities on the horizon, it’s the perfect time for the industry to come together and meet at Railtex with its invaluable opportunities to explore and share ground-breaking insights, ideas, and innovation – whether economic, environmental or technological.”

Over the three exhibition days, attendees can expect to see an excellent cross-section of technologies and services that facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of rail transport. The event covers the entire rail supply chain, including rolling stock technology, track, and infrastructure, signalling and communications, vehicle maintenance, fare collection systems, cable technology, and many other rail-related products and services.

Railtex at a glance:

Exhibition Floor

The exhibition floor boasts some 160 companies from 19 countries who deliver rail equipment and services across the globe, among them 61 first-time exhibitors. Key players include CRRC Corporation Limited, Cubis System, EAO, Hayley Rail, Stadler Rail, Tidyco Ltd, and many others. Attendees are invited to use the Railtex Exhibitor List Tool and Online Show Preview to search for exhibitors and products that are of particular interest to them.

Three-Day Conference, organised by the Railway Industry Association (Stand U11)

The conference offers an exciting agenda of keynotes, presentations and panel discussions by leading industry experts and thought leaders. All sessions are free to attend and CPD certified:

  • Future Focus Conference: Touching on key aspects of sustainability, safety and policy. With representatives from GBRTT, Great Western Railway, Network Rail, the Railway Industry Association, Siemens, RSSB, and Midlands Connect.
  • Young Rail Professional Conference: Dedicated to the new generation in rail and their innovative solutions.

The updated conference programme can be found on Railtex website.

Innovation Village, organised by RIA

Built at the centre of Railtex, the Innovation Village features a selection of clients with pioneering solutions developed in collaboration with suppliers – a great opportunity to learn from delivered projects. The Innovation Village is part of the “Unlocking Innovation” programme, a multi-award-winning initiative by RIA designed to accelerate innovation.

Networking Zone / Meet the Buyer Programme, hosted by RIA

Open to all, the Networking Zone is a special meeting area on the show floor for networking throughout the three show days. The Meet the Buyer Programme offers a dedicated platform to schedule one-to-one meetings between suppliers and buyers (by appointment only).

On-Track Display area, sponsored by British Steel

This popular show feature has sections of track laid in the exhibition hall to showcase rail-mounted vehicles and track-related equipment in an authentic rail setting.

Careers, Talent, & Skills Hub, hosted by RailwayPeople.com (Stand L51)

The Hub offers a dedicated networking area for all visitors at any stage of their career to drop by and meet employers from leading organisations in the rail industry.

Venue, tickets, and opening times

Railtex 2023 takes place from 9 – 11 May 2023 in Hall 3 of the NEC Birmingham, UK. Entry to Railtex is free for all visitors who pre-register their attendance ahead of the event. During the show, tickets are available on a purchase basis via the online ticket shop or on-site. Show opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM on Tuesday, 9 May, and Wednesday, 10 May 2023, and from 10:00 AM to 16:00 PM on Thursday, 11 May 2023.

For further information please visit: www.railtex.co.uk

Lead image credit: RX Global